Canada ready to face confident France team Monday at Roazhan Park

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will face next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup hosts France Monday 9 April at Roazhan Park in Rennes, France, one of the nine venues for the pinnacle women’s tournament taking place in June and July 2019.

The important International Friendly match pits the world’s fourth-ranked Canada against fifth-ranked France just three days after Les Bleues definitively defeated Nigeria 8-0 in an International Friendly in Le Mans, France. France’s commanding victory over reigning African champions Nigeria is certain to give France confidence coming in to the match against Canada, something Canada Soccer Women’s National Team Head Coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller welcomes.

“We are looking for a very competitive match and we are sure a confident French team playing in front of a full stadium of their fans, will give us the kind of test we are looking for as we continue to improve on our journey towards qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019,” said Heiner-Møller. “Canada are familiar with the pressure of being hosts, where the expectations and pressures are different, so we know France will be working hard to ensure they are in the best form for next summer and we are keen to get on the pitch and see what they bring.”

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team are using each match of 2018 to prepare for both the Concacaf Women’s Championship, the qualification competition for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and the pinnacle event itself. The upcoming matches against #5 France on Monday, and then #3 Germany in Canada in June, will serve as key indicators of where Canada is in its preparations and provide the coaching staff with invaluable information as teams count down to the FIFA Women’s World Cup one year out mark on 7 June.

“We are entering into a critical time in the four-year cycle of the women’s programme,” said Heiner- Møller. “With a successful Concacaf Women’s Championship in October, this team will move into a period of increased activity as we look ahead to the FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer, the Concacaf Olympic Qualifiers, and then the 2020 Olympic Games. This team has been clear that they are driving towards being number one in the world, so Monday’s match against France is going to be a excellent opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best at a really important time.”

After Canada’s match against France, it will play Germany at home in Hamilton, ON, on 10 June. Canada, the two-time Olympic Bronze Medal winners will welcome the reigning Olympic Champions to Tim Hortons Field for the Sunday afternoon match (14.00 ET / 11.00 PT).

Tickets for Canada vs Germany in Hamilton Individual tickets to the Canada v Germany match are on sale via Ticketmaster.ca. Tickets to the match start as low $20 (plus applicable fees) and fans will once again be able to take advantage of a ‘Me+3’ offer in select sections.Groups of 10 or more are eligible to receive up to 30% off regularly priced tickets. The group ticket program will continue to be offered during the individual ticket sales phase.For complete ticket information visit canadasoccer.com/tickets.About Canada Soccer Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at canadasoccer.comCanada Soccer’s Women’s National TeamCanada recently made history with back-to-back podium finishes at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. At the last three major women's tournaments, Canada finished third at the London 2012 Women's Olympic Football Tournament, sixth at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™, and third at the Rio 2016 Women's Olympic Football Tournament.Canada Soccer's Women's National Team are the first Canadian team to win back-to-back Summer Olympic medals since 1908, and the first-ever women’s Canadian team. Fans can relive Canada Soccer Women’s National Team journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through highlights and team commentary videos. For our most recent photographs, please visit Flickr.com/canadasoccer.